Are the shoes too formal for everyday use at high school? I dress usually in OCBDs, cardigans, crewnecks in cotton, jeans, chinos and corduroy pants.

No, they're not too formal, but Kashmir is right: they're unnecessarily expensive. Judging by your other stated sizes, you're still growing too - this is ridiculous for a pair you might not fit in a year's time.

Normally I'd suggest buying shoes from a more traditional shoemaker for quality, especially in this price range. And if your feet are fully grown, that's what you should do: you can get great shoes from Cheaney or Barker for less than this, or Church's or Tricker's in the sales. Take a look at discounted Grensons too - made in India at the cheaper end, but still properly welted etc. You can find clearance shoes from them for £100 now and then, in trendy chunky styles and interesting colours.

If your feet are still growing, though, then enjoy the frivolity of youth: buy something for under £50 that will last you six months by which time you'll be bored of it even if it isn't already too small.

No, they're not too formal, but Kashmir is right: they're unnecessarily expensive. Judging by your other stated sizes, you're still growing too - this is ridiculous for a pair you might not fit in a year's time.

Normally I'd suggest buying shoes from a more traditional shoemaker for quality, especially in this price range. And if your feet are fully grown, that's what you should do: you can get great shoes from Cheaney or Barker for less than this, or Church's or Tricker's in the sales. Take a look at discounted Grensons too - made in India at the cheaper end, but still properly welted etc. You can find clearance shoes from them for £100 now and then, in trendy chunky styles and interesting colours.

If your feet are still growing, though, then enjoy the frivolity of youth: buy something for under £50 that will last you six months by which time you'll be bored of it even if it isn't already too small.

I don't think one's feet grows after a certain period, a pair of C&J brought 5 years ago, when I was in GCSE, still fits well now.
Even if you don't like it, make sure you treat it well all the time so it could be sold at a reasonable price.

From Sanders's Diplomat series; model Paris. The factory has been around since 1873, but I've seen pairs from on SF rarely. The French calf is exquisite, but quality control is not at all up to date. The broguing on left pair is crooked and on right pair uneven. This is sad as the maker has real potential.

I don't think one's feet grows after a certain period, a pair of C&J brought 5 years ago, when I was in GCSE, still fits well now.
Even if you don't like it, make sure you treat it well all the time so it could be sold at a reasonable price.

Dingus - thanks for the message: Add911 is right if you're feet are grown - quality is quality. I don't know anything about Sanders though - but see below!

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRaivio

From Sanders's Diplomat series; model Paris. The factory has been around since 1873, but I've seen pairs from on SF rarely. The French calf is exquisite, but quality control is not at all up to date. The broguing on left pair is crooked and on right pair uneven. This is sad as the maker has real potential.
Anyone have the scoop on Sanders?Warning: Spoiler!(Click to show)

That's a great classic-looking pair of shoes - pity about the finer details you mentioned. I would also be interested to know more. The lasts look quite accommodating; how's the fit?